As I continue this study of Muslims in Muslim countries, I am confronted with Islamic traditions of female submission. There is much to be said about submission within a Muslim context. It is extreme, but at its basic level, somewhat similar in principle to our own Christian traditions of the submissive wife. The women must submit and obey to men and the law.
In our own culture, how much does culture and tradition dictate what submission looks like in a Christian marriage? It often reflects religious law, but perhaps not the law of freedom in Christ...
I wrestle with this within myself because I long to know what my role is as Christian wife and mother. How do I honor God and my husband in these roles? My heart longs to explore and study, research and learn, and to be in the trenches of ministry myself. But if I am to be involved in study or ministry, does my family suffer? If I involve myself with something other than church and family responsibilities, than someone else needs to be with our baby, and keeping house. What expectations are fair and reasonable to put on my husband in regard to these needs? Particularly when he is busy fulfilling his role of provider and called minister of God? Would I consider other childcare options?
I am asking these questions because I am confronted with a call to which I must obey or disobey. Of course it makes no sense to disobey God in order to meet some Christian standard. But I have had to face hard questions within myself. Can I live with myself if I am a stay at home Mom, or can I live with myself if I am not?
Ultimately, I know the best route for our family is God's plan. I know only blessings result from obedience to Him. But, it is taking a great step of faith to believe first of all, that I can be who he is calling me to be, wife mother, minister, business woman, author... second of all, that he will provide for and protect my family, even when I am engaged elsewhere.
So, I am choosing to turn form the letter of the law and those who would criticize me for having a life other than family responsibilities, and am choosing to obey God, trusting in his grace and mercy and calling upon His Spirit to strengthen and guide me.
7.26.2008
7.13.2008
Some thoughts.
I've been reading a lot of books focusing on Muslim culture, Muslims turned Christians, and abuse of Muslim women. I am so intrigued by this ever growing religion and its values, beliefs, infrastructure, etc. I am particularly interested in the women.. which stands to reason as I am one :)
I have read Ayaan Hirsi Ali's autobiography, Infidel, Bilquis Sheikh's autobiography/testimony, A novel The Kite Runner set in the Middle East, Joel Rosenburgh's Epicenter (laying prophecy and revelation alongside actual happenings in the world, particularly in the Middle East), and I am about to start Secret Believers, regarding Muslims who turn Christian.
I am also interested in the cultural happenings of my own town, Maritime Provinces, and nation. There is so much to learn regarding the aboriginal tribes, child trafficing and prostitution, etc. right here in Canada.
I am very interested in these matters because it seems to me that the Church is living in blissful ignorance to its surroundings. It's as though we can not bare to lift our eyes to see the work of the Lord around us because it is so great we will not be able to bear the weight of it!! Yet, God does not ask us to bear His weight, but as one friend said, "To obey Him in the work He has put before you today."
Many churches seem so inward focused that they do not notice, or perhaps do not care, that the distance between them and their surrounding culture is growing rapidly. This is not an issue of relevance, however, as though we were supposed to keep up with the worlds styles and trends and new technology. We are in an age where that no longer matters. What matters is that we are ENGAGED in our surroundings, and CURRENT IN THE MOVE OF GOD. That, I believe, is true and effective relevance. If God is mindful of the man down the street or the teenage girl in the mall, aware of their present thoughts and feelings, than we are to be His body, led by the Spirit, ministering to those very apparent needs. Of course, we don't always know them and will never manifest God's full omniscience. However, we are to be current in the Spirit's movement and engaged in his present ministry.
Mostly, I believe God's Spirit, His very Presence is what is missing in our churches today. God has been speaking to my heart regarding DISUNITY in the Church. My recent meditations on Philippians 2:1-18 have encouraged my understanding of unity and its link to God's holy Presence, for that is the glory with which we are to shine like lights in the world (2:14).
Even more, I am humbled by my own need for more of God's Presence in my life. God has provided everything I need for godliness (2 Peter 1:3) and has blessed me with every spiritual blessing under heaven (Ephesians 1). He desires to commune with me, share secrets with me, draw me into His glory...
I so desire for more of His Presence... in me and in the Church at large. I so desire to see effective ministry, not based on 5-step methods and leadership books, but based on the very tangible and present Spirit of God who lives and breathes according to His word and unto the glory of God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord!
I have read Ayaan Hirsi Ali's autobiography, Infidel, Bilquis Sheikh's autobiography/testimony, A novel The Kite Runner set in the Middle East, Joel Rosenburgh's Epicenter (laying prophecy and revelation alongside actual happenings in the world, particularly in the Middle East), and I am about to start Secret Believers, regarding Muslims who turn Christian.
I am also interested in the cultural happenings of my own town, Maritime Provinces, and nation. There is so much to learn regarding the aboriginal tribes, child trafficing and prostitution, etc. right here in Canada.
I am very interested in these matters because it seems to me that the Church is living in blissful ignorance to its surroundings. It's as though we can not bare to lift our eyes to see the work of the Lord around us because it is so great we will not be able to bear the weight of it!! Yet, God does not ask us to bear His weight, but as one friend said, "To obey Him in the work He has put before you today."
Many churches seem so inward focused that they do not notice, or perhaps do not care, that the distance between them and their surrounding culture is growing rapidly. This is not an issue of relevance, however, as though we were supposed to keep up with the worlds styles and trends and new technology. We are in an age where that no longer matters. What matters is that we are ENGAGED in our surroundings, and CURRENT IN THE MOVE OF GOD. That, I believe, is true and effective relevance. If God is mindful of the man down the street or the teenage girl in the mall, aware of their present thoughts and feelings, than we are to be His body, led by the Spirit, ministering to those very apparent needs. Of course, we don't always know them and will never manifest God's full omniscience. However, we are to be current in the Spirit's movement and engaged in his present ministry.
Mostly, I believe God's Spirit, His very Presence is what is missing in our churches today. God has been speaking to my heart regarding DISUNITY in the Church. My recent meditations on Philippians 2:1-18 have encouraged my understanding of unity and its link to God's holy Presence, for that is the glory with which we are to shine like lights in the world (2:14).
Even more, I am humbled by my own need for more of God's Presence in my life. God has provided everything I need for godliness (2 Peter 1:3) and has blessed me with every spiritual blessing under heaven (Ephesians 1). He desires to commune with me, share secrets with me, draw me into His glory...
I so desire for more of His Presence... in me and in the Church at large. I so desire to see effective ministry, not based on 5-step methods and leadership books, but based on the very tangible and present Spirit of God who lives and breathes according to His word and unto the glory of God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord!
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